Bitcoin Beginner Safety Checklist

A plain-English safety checklist for learning wallets, seed phrases, scams, and small test transactions before holding meaningful bitcoin.

This guide is for education only. It is not financial, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Start small, move slowly, and get qualified help when needed.

Before You Buy or Receive Bitcoin

I understand that Bitcoin can go up or down in price.
I understand that education comes before serious decisions.
I know I do not need to buy a whole bitcoin.
I understand that sats are small units of bitcoin.
I know Bitcoin is different from the broader crypto casino.
I have read or plan to read the beginner Bitcoin guide.

Wallet Basics

I understand that a wallet manages keys, not coins.
I understand the difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets.
I know an exchange balance is not the same as self-custody.
I know a hot wallet is connected to the internet.
I know a cold wallet keeps keys offline.
I am starting with tiny amounts while learning.

Seed Phrase Safety

I know a seed phrase is the master backup for a wallet.
I know never to screenshot my seed phrase.
I know never to store my seed phrase in email, cloud notes, or photo storage.
I know never to type my seed phrase into random websites.
I know no real support person needs my seed phrase.
I have a safe offline place to store a backup.
I have thought about fire, water, theft, and family emergency access.

Scam Awareness

I know giveaways that promise to double bitcoin are scams.
I know "validate your wallet" pages are usually scams.
I know fake support accounts are common.
I know pressure to act immediately is a red flag.
I know not to trust links from random DMs.
I know not to install wallet apps from ads without verifying the source.
I know to slow down when money is involved.

First Test Transactions

I can receive a tiny amount before trying larger amounts.
I can send a tiny amount to a trusted person or second wallet.
I understand that Bitcoin transactions are hard to reverse.
I check addresses carefully before sending.
I understand that fees can vary.
I wait for confirmation when using the Bitcoin base layer.
I understand Lightning payments are different from on-chain payments.

Custody Readiness

I understand "not your keys, not your coins."
I understand self-custody gives more control and more responsibility.
I know where my wallet backup is.
I know what happens if my phone or device breaks.
I have not moved meaningful savings before practicing.
I have a plan to keep learning before increasing responsibility.

Family and Emergency Planning

I have thought about what happens if something happens to me.
I have not created a plan so complex that my family could never follow it.
I know serious amounts may require estate planning or professional guidance.
I understand privacy matters when writing down backup instructions.
I have separated "how to find instructions" from "full access to funds" if needed.

Start tiny. Move slowly. Learn before trusting yourself with meaningful amounts.